Does the umbilical cord EVER get cut?

I believe that at a certain point in all of our lives, we have that ONE HUGE pointless argument with our parents. That argument might be a manifestation of pent up frustration with them over the years or it could be a way of breaking free from them, a start to forming our own opinion that differs from theirs. Or perhaps it has never happened to you, either because you have exceptionally cool parents or you've never had a differing opinion from them.(by the way, if you're in the latter category then i feel immense sadness for you)Usually, this argument happens in your teenage years and by the time you reach adulthood, your parents generally give in and realise you're your own person. No such luck for me, so i'm venting my frustrations online.

I bring up this topic of discussion because after being overseas, surviving alone, graduating, being responsible, working almost immediately, dealing with the most difficult clients and situations at work, overcoming the most pretentious people, taking on the traffic jams, bird flu, dengue and other stresses of each day...we come home to our parents and still get intimidated by them. We of course deny like hell that we ever want their approval, but please lah, whether you realise it or not, if you dont get it, it does affect you. And they have that tremendous super power that they use over you every once in awhile..the Power Of Guilt; "I carried you in my womb for 9 months and you're telling me you won't come with me to Aunty Mary's cousin's husband's sister's wedding?!!" and if you try to argue with that, then that's it lah..hangus terbakar man...no talking for weeks..walking on eggshells all the time...man, i so need to move out.

A really good friend brought up that maybe parents don't quite understand what we go through because they didn't have as much stress as we do these days. My take on it is that as they get older they just get clingier. See, guilt..because you start thinking that aiyah, they're getting old already so better spend time with them before they konk off...aiyoohhhh..

and so, with that, i bid you all a Happy New Year as i won't be here..i'll be in Penang.. ( at Aunty Mary's cousin's husband's sister's wedding)sighhhhhhhhhh...drink some champagne, watch the fireworks and make a resolution for me, kay?

Love, hugs and kisses for 2005.